A method according to one embodiment includes generating a y-position estimate based on a servo readback signal, and determining a nonlinearity-correction value corresponding to the y-position estimate. The method further includes adjusting the y-position estimate using the nonlinearity-correction value. A computer program product for compensating for nonlinearity in a timing based servo pattern according to another embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are readable and/or executable by a controller to cause the controller to perform the foregoing method. An apparatus according to another embodiment includes a controller configured to perform the foregoing method.

A method according to one embodiment includes generating a y-position estimate based on a servo readback, and determining a nonlinearity-correction value corresponding to the y-position estimate. The method further includes adjusting the y-position estimate using the nonlinearity-correction value. A computer program product for compensating for nonlinearity in a timing based servo pattern according to another embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are readable and/or executable by a controller to cause the controller to perform the foregoing method. An apparatus according to another embodiment includes a controller configured to perform the foregoing method.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the degree of side erasure occurring in neighboring tracks is controlled by controlling the skew angle of the tape head, relative to the longitudinal direction of motion of the tape past the head as a track is written. In one embodiment, the tape head is rotated relative to the longitudinal direction of tape travel, and the trailing edge of the tape head which forms an acute angle with the edge of a track being written, is used for writing tracks at a desired track pitch. Other aspects and advantages may be provided, depending upon the particular application.

A method according to one embodiment includes generating a y-position estimate based on a servo readback signal from a servo reader reading a servo band, retrieving or calculating a nonlinearity-correction value corresponding to the y-position estimate, adjusting the y-position estimate using the nonlinearity-correction value, and outputting the adjusted y-position estimate. A computer program product for compensating for nonlinearity in a timing based servo pattern according to one embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se. The program instructions are readable and/or executable by a controller to cause the controller to perform the foregoing method.